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The FAA requires a Flight Instructor to renew their certificate on a 24-month basis. Why 24-months? I've posed this question many times to FAA types and the answer appears to be elusive. The most common answer is simply that a 24-month renewal period provides the FAA with a mechanism to evaluate a Flight Instructor on a recurring basis thereby ensuring their ability to consistently meet the high standards of the Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards (PTS). With all of the various methods to renew a Flight Instructor certificate, the least of which is taking a practical test, it would appear that logic may be flawed. [Read More...]

It's the STUPID little stuff that trips you up. The routine. If I can get that point across, I'll be thrilled. Here is an example, one which does not paint me as the great Sky God. But, hopefully, it can show you how easy, easy, easy, the stupid, simple stuff can bite you... [Read More...]

The subject of solo requirements for the addition of a helicopter rating to an existing commercial pilot certificate, when the applicant does not hold a helicopter rating at any level, is a question not easily answered. To get the correct answer, you must look at more than just the experience requirements as stated in 14 CFR Part 61.129(c). Additionally, the method in which a pilot would log the pilot in command (PIC) flight time is confusing. In this article, we’ll attempt to provide some clarity on these subjects. [Read More...]

In the seven years since an airline pilot saved 155 lives by ditching his crippled airliner in the Hudson River, there's been enough time to write a book and make a movie, but apparently not enough to carry out most of the safety recommendations stemming from the accident. Of the 35 recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board in response to the incident involving US Airways Flight 1549, only six have been heeded.” [Read More...]

One of the reasons that drove me to start this blog was to build a database of obscure and unique maintenance tips before some of us croaked, or simply forgot them. In turn, once the level of data exceeds a certain point, I will create either an open-source data portal, or a small EBook: free to anyone who wishes to learn. [Read More...]

This segment of our industry is highly dependent upon the client’s discretionary income. Domestic (US based) customers could be affected by basic life expenses to include healthcare costs. As an example, we can see where changes to the Affordable Care Act may influence a family’s ability to enjoy a tour of the Grand Canyon. International clients often depend on the ability to obtain a Visa to visit the United States. Changes to the US Immigration Policy could affect this process. Additionally, the currency exchange rate (the cost of a US dollar weighed against a foreign currency) will place a benefit or burden on whether an international tourist may enjoy a helicopter tour, or not! [Read More...]

I have honestly tried to share with you some of the really horrible moments. Spread across Tuna Boat flying, Law Enforcement, North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Africa, and elsewhere. Sure, I didn't actually break anything. I actually never even scratched a helicopter. But maybe it was more of a "lucky near miss" than merely an "academic potential". I nearly, nearly screwed the pooch. I got so close I got to smell his damn doggie breath. I didn't like it. So I slowed down. Backed off. I accepted I was not perfect. Not even remotely. Not only was I not a brilliant pilot. I was perhaps just a very average fixed wing and chopper jockey. I needed to slow down. And watch myself... re-evaluate where I stood on Risk. It's the simple things that get you in helicopters. It's not the Green Man from Planet Yuptulia cutting you up in his convertible Flying Saucer, practicing barrel rolls. Nothing as exotic as that. It's the STUPID little stuff that trips you up. The routine. If I can get that point across, I'll be thrilled. Here is an example, one which does not paint me as the great Sky God. But, hopefully, it can show you how easy, easy, easy, the stupid, simple stuff can bite you... [Read More...]

In life it’s good to know what you have control over and what you don’t, which of course is true in aviation too. I have an aviation story that illustrates my point when I tried to convince an aviation psychologist that I’m a dog.
Upon reaching the age of 62 pilots at Abu Dhabi Aviation were told they would need to pass a psychological evaluation as part of their six-monthly Class 1 medical to maintain their ATP licenses. The idea of a psychological evaluation seemed ludicrous to me after 42-years in aviation further exacerbated knowing it was a money spinner for the government so I decided I was going to have some fun and try to convince the psychologist I was a dog. [Read More...]

One of the headaches during an engine installation is connecting the input drive shaft and rotorbrake disc/calipers on the engine side. This tip allows you to install and safety these components prior to engine installation. [Read More...]

Battery powered helicopter*
Who would have thought?
For those who didn’t read about it, a company in California replaced the conventional powerplant on an R44 with lithium batteries and two electric motors.
And flew it for 5 minutes.
I wonder if my A&P certificate covers the maintenance on it. Or, maybe I will need to get an endorsement and have an AP&B certificate.
With all these electronic gizmos on the horizon, we’ll have to add reciprocating engines, hydro-mechanical systems, and pilots to the “back-in the-good-old-days” list along with dope & fabric, wooden M/R blades, and Loran C. [Read More...]